In the plan's forward written by Science and Technology Minister Shane Reti he said New Zealand was the last OECD country to publish such a strategy. Photo: RNZ / Mark Papalii
New Zealand has - at last - joined other countries in tackling the AI opportunity and challenge, with the government unveiling its first-ever national artificial intelligence strategy.
The plan - titled "Investing with Confidence" - has been met with enthusiasm from the business sector, but concern from critics who say it sets a "dangerous path forward" and is "worryingly light" on ethical considerations.
In a foreword, Science and Technology Minister Shane Reti said New Zealand needed to get moving on AI, noting it was the last OECD country to publish such a strategy.
"Artificial intelligence represents one of the most significant technological opportunities of our time," Reti said. "For New Zealand, embracing AI is not merely an option - it is essential."
The plan - which was developed with the assistance of AI - positions New Zealand as a "sophisticated adopter" rather than as an inventor of new foundational models.
For its part, the government is promising a "light-touch and principles-based" approach using existing legislation and regulations, rather than introducing new ones.
"The government aims to encourage investment in AI adoption by reducing uncertainty, removing unintended and unwanted barriers to AI in legislation, and providing clear guidance on responsible AI innovation within New Zealand's existing legal framework."
As well, the strategy includes a commitment to grow AI expertise in New Zealand, noting that this year's Budget includes more than $200 million for tuition and training subsidies and more than $60m for STEM and priority areas.
Dr Andrew Lensen, a senior lecturer in Artificial Intelligence at Victoria University, said the strategy was heavy on economic growth opportunities but "worryingly light" on ethical and societal issues.
"The strategy suggests that new legislation is unnecessary, which I, and many other AI researchers, disagree with," Lensen said.
"Having 'principles' is not nearly sufficient to reduce AI-induced harm, bias, and inequity. We need clear legislation and well-resourced enforcement mechanisms to ensure AI does not further harm New Zealanders."
Lensen, who also co-directs an AI consultancy, raised the risks of sourcing modern healthcare AI systems from overseas, for example, which might have no regard for New Zealand's unique demographics.
"This AI Strategy sets a dangerous path forward for New Zealand, with an attitude of economic growth above social good."
Council of Trade Unions president Richard Wagstaff warned the "light touch" approach would do nothing to protect workers from the serious risks from AI.
"Some workers, particularly in clerical and administrative roles, are at a high risk of being displaced by AI. We need to deliver a just transition for any workers negatively affected by AI by supporting them to retrain and find good work," he said.
"The strategy also skates over the very real risks that AI technologies pose for workers. This includes the severe health and safety risks associated with AI surveillance systems, productivity monitoring, and automated management."
In contrast, the Auckland Business Chamber chief executive Simon Bridges applauded the new strategy, saying it would give "clarity and confidence" to many small and medium enterprises which were currently unsure where to start.
"This strategy cuts through the fog," Bridges said. "It's practical, not hype. If we don't get moving, we'll fall behind - but this gives Auckland a real platform to lead."
A 2024 Datacom survey found that 67 percent of larger New Zealand businesses utilised some form of AI, up from 48 percent in 2023.
However, a separate Spark-NZIER survey, also last year, said 68 percent of SMEs had no plans to explore the technology.
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